IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION congratulating Theresa Garza on the occasion of her historic election as the first Latina on the Raytown Board of Aldermen.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21271, May 9, 2023
INTRODUCED BY DaRon McGee and Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, Theresa Garza, a proud graduate of Raytown South High School, was recently elected as the representative of Ward 4 of the Raytown Board of Aldermen, making history as the first Latina to serve as alderman; and,
WHEREAS, Theresa brings a wealth of experience and education to her new role, having served with distinction in the United States Navy, earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and history from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and a master's degree in public administration from Park University, and served in elective office on the Jackson County Legislature, including a year as Vice Chair in 2014; and,
WHEREAS, Theresa has pledged to focus on core services, public safety, and economic opportunity during her term, recognizing the importance of improving infrastructure and providing reliable services to residents, as well as supporting working families, maintaining clean, safe parks and neighborhoods, and connecting residents to public health and social services; and,
WHEREAS, Theresa’s experience in the private sector, including economic development work with a local utility, has prepared her well for her new role, providing her with the skills necessary to attract new private investment and maintain strong oversight of the city's finances; and,
WHEREAS, Theresa's dedication to public service and her commitment to the community are evident in her numerous honors and awards, including being named as one of the Kansas City Business Journal’s "Women Who Mean Business" for 2021, receiving the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Nuestra Latina Award, and earning the National Women's Leadership Council - KC Chapter Emerging Leader Award; and,
WHEREAS, Theresa is actively involved in a variety of non-profit and community organizations, serving on the boards of the Raytown Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, LaunchKC Social Venture Studio, the Missouri Department of Economic Development District #3 Council, the Ronald McDonald House Development Committee, the Latino Arts Foundation, the Park University Civic Advisory Council, and the Jacob L. and Ella C. Loose Foundation, as well as the Utility Economic Development Association; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby congratulates Theresa Garza on her historic election to the Raytown Board of Aldermen and wishes her immense success in her new role; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature commends her for her dedication to public service, her commitment to the community, and her vision for a better Raytown.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21271 of May 9, 2023, was duly passed on May 9, 2023 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ______9_________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining ___0______ Absent _____0_______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature